Perimenopause
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Peyman Banooni, MD
OB-GYN located in Beverly Hills, CA
Perimenopause (the transition to menopause) in women typically begins in the mid-40s and continues for about eight years before you reach menopause. It may cause hot flashes, mood swings, fatigue, and other unpleasant symptoms. Fortunately, relief is within reach with the help of OB/GYN physician Peyman Banooni, MD, in Beverly Hills, CA. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.
Perimenopause Q&A
What is perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the transitional period from childbearing years in women to menopause. It may last up to a decade, causing hormone fluctuations and eventually marking the end of the reproductive years. The average age of menopause is 52 in the United States.
While perimenopause is a natural process and not a cause for concern, its side effects sometimes feel disabling when left untreated.
What are the symptoms of perimenopause?
Perimenopause can lead to:
- Irregular periods
- Difficulty sleeping
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Vaginal dryness and laxity
- Decreased fertility
- Painful intercourse
- Mood swings
- Urinary frequency
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low sex drive
- Brain fog
- Bone density loss
- Changes in cholesterol levels
- Weight gain
Many of these symptoms stem from the fluctuation of the hormone estrogen. You’ve reached menopause when you haven’t had a natural menstrual period in 12 months. Perimenopause often lasts 4-8 years (up to 10 years)
What are the benefits of treating perimenopause symptoms?
Treating perimenopause symptoms provides symptom relief. You may experience:
- More energy
- Stronger sex drive
- Thicker hair
- Improved sexual function with less pain
- Better bladder control
- Improved sleep
- Stronger bones
- Weight management
- Happier mood
- Improved cognition
Treatment can dramatically enhance your physical health, mental health, and quality of life.
Am I a candidate for treatment?
Dr. Banooni creates a personalized perimenopause treatment plan based on your health history, lifestyle, symptoms, and goals. He weighs you, checks your vital signs, completes a physical exam, and orders diagnostic tests that assess your current hormone levels, bone density, cholesterol, and more.
Which treatments help ease perimenopause symptoms?
Treating perimenopause symptoms often involves making diet and other healthy lifestyle changes, taking dietary supplements, maintaining a healthy weight, and undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to balance estrogen and other hormones and provide symptom relief.
During hormone therapy, you might take pills, receive a patch, apply a cream or gel, try vaginal products, or receive pellets inserted beneath the skin in your upper hip or buttocks region.
Eat a well-balanced diet, exercise regularly, minimize stress, get enough sleep, and not smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol. Dr. Banooni follows up to ensure your hormones stay balanced and symptoms subside. He offers specialist referrals if needed.
Schedule a perimenopause evaluation with Peyman Bonooni, MD, by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.